One of the most cherished past times of the holiday season is decorating cookies with family... or at least that was what you always tried to do, but instead made a mess of the kitchen with various hues of frosting.
The holiday season is a time of indulging, so it only makes sense that cookies have become almost as important as the tinsel and mistletoe.
For goodness' sake, little kids put their cookie creations out with a glass of milk next to the Christmas tree on Christmas Eve in the hopes of finding crumbs and an empty glass (along with a heap of toys) on Christmas day.
Whether you're leaving your cookies out for Santa or Hanukkah Harry, you're probably going to want to save some for yourself (or not, if you're busy playing the roll of aforementioned men).
Here are some of the best bakeries (in no particular order) to pick up your decorated holiday cookies in NYC. Remember, it's a busy part of the year for these culinary artists, so be sure to order bulk items in advance!
1. Eleni's (75 9th Avenue Market)
If you've ever been through Chelsea Market, you've probably noticed this cute little pastry shop displaying delicate, sweet cupcakes and cookies. They've developed quite a following of cupcake fans, particularly during their "cupcake happy hour" from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m on weekdays.
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But if you've never had their cookies, you have to try them. Their whimsical decorations are sure to kick any Grinch's heart up a size or two. If you're not seeing the holiday cookie you're looking for, they'll do custom orders in advance. Not only are they adorable, but their delicious as well.
2. Betty Bakery (448 Atlantic Avenue - Brooklyn)
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Are you looking for little cookies that look like little art masterpieces? If you want them to taste delicious, look no further than Betty Bakery in Brooklyn. Their decorated holiday cookies are insanely cute and festive.
Currently, they have their hand-decorated Hanukkah cookies available for purchase at their storefront in Brooklyn. If you aren't looking for these gorgeous cookies, try some of their other tasty, beautiful treats.
3. Duane Park Patisserie (179 Duane Street)
This pastry shop is run by a Food Network "Chopped" champion, Madeline Lanciani. Though her cakes are incredible works works of art, we're here for her festive holiday cookies.
As with everything else at Duane Park Patisserie, the cookies are meticulously decorated and delicious. Their holiday cookies are available to be ordered on their website.
4. William Greenberg Desserts (various locations)
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Though their "Black & White" cookies are said to be some of the best in New York, William Greenberg Desserts also makes pretty incredible cakes, pastries, and (of course) decorated sugar cookies.
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These little hand decorated cookies are a sweet treat for the sugar lover in your life. They offer a pack of a dozen cookies (in Christmas or Hanukkah themed) for $30.
5. The Sugar Chic (5 Broadway - Amityville, Long Island)
Though a bit of a trip, this store is by far worth the travel out to Long Island. Their cookies are some of the cutest we've ever seen. When it comes to creativity, it seems that there is nothing that owner and chef, Melissa Chicarelli can't do.
Her decorated Hanukkah cookies are available at her Amityville Village storefront, but her adorable holiday cookies can also be bought her website.
Check out 6 Reasons Why the Black & White Cookie Will Forever Be Quintessential NYC.
[Feature Image Courtesy Instagram]